You Paid WHAT for That? More Stories of Amazing Secondhand Finds

A few years ago, I searched our reader comment threads for tales of remarkable secondhand finds and shared them in a post. It was a fun, inspiring read and I'm sure more than one person headed out to their thrift shop or onto Craigslist after learning about the possibilities. An added bonus was that it brought out a whole new round of amazing shopping stories, which I've gathered here today - get ready to get jealous as you read on...

I found a Herman Miller Time Life Executive chair with original black leather upholstery at Goodwill for $5!!! It makes me giddy when I see it! - squirrelpearl

Got lucky with four Paul McCobb Irwin Collection for Calvin dining chairs (two with arms) with dining table and two leaves for $500. They're currently on 1stDibs for over $6000. - itrepidina

Two wishbone chairs for $150 total. Not a $10 deal but it still brings a smile to my face. - matt in kc

I got two authentic 7 Series Chairs from an local office store for $60. - Yomon

Here are my best deals: * two Hermes scarves, brand new, for $2.00 each. * steel barristers bookcase for $25.00 - now used for storing sweaters. * steel document cabinet with 30 drawers for $20 - now used for shoes. * dozens of cashmere sweaters for no more than $5/each. * Cartier watch for $5.00. * Collection of copper pots and pans, for no more than $5/each.

I moved back to the US a few years ago, and had to start from scratch, and do it economically. I've got top quality things for very little money. I love to treasure hunt! - pigtowndesign

My old roommate's ex boyfriend had a yard sale and so I ended up purchasing more than I bargained for. He was selling a Platner coffee table for $10.00, two 1950s chairs for $10.00 and a set of Revere Warf pots for $5.00. Amazing really. - PhotobugLA

Mint condition, vintage McGuire dining table for $30. - solop

Found an uber rare Russel Wright snow glass vegetable bowl in near mint condition at a Pasadena thrift store for $6.00 sold it on ebay for$750......SCORE! Years ago bought an Eva Zeisel Riverside carafe marked $15.00,it was half price day so only paid $7.50 sold to a collector in Japan for $250.......SCORE AGAIN. - modernsteven

MY velvet 60's Pucci dress from Goodwill for 12 bucks. Countless clothes/shoes/accessories for a dollar. Vintage cocktail shaker with recipes on it for a dollar. Beautiful Probber Dresser with copper pulls for $100 from a friend. - kayonyc

My best finds: a Milo Baughman leather armchair, delivered for $75 and in perfect condition, and a pair of Knoll bentwood Don Petitt armchairs for $5 each at a local thrift store. Woo hoo! - kendon

A matched pair of Adrian Pearsall lounge chairs for $130 (ebay). The exact pair came up on 1st dibs for — ta dah! — $6,000! And four Donghia Anziano chairs for $300 (craigslist) from a NYC architect who was closing his office. These match my Wonk boris table ($250, craigslist) perfectly. - Staceydh

I got two framed, signed Ansel Adams prints for $6 each at a thrift store, and sold them on eBay for just over $6,000. Score! Happy me, and two thrilled buyers. Win, win. - Anne from FL

Two signed Henry Moore lithographs for ten cents each. - marjoriees

I got a set of 5 1960s Domus Danica chairs for $25. Total, not each. The wood needed sanding and oiling, but otherwise they are amazing. - mysteryflavor

Teak Nils Jonsson credenza purchased at Salavation Army thriftshop in Toronto for $39.99, over $2,000 on 1stdibs last year. Now home to a lovely flatscreen and artwork. - gdonnelly

Free Adrian Pearsall / Craft Associates sofa from an estate sale.$50 Milo Baughman sofa from Goodwill.$75 pair of Bertoia Diamond chairs from a front porch.$175 for four Bertoia Side chairs from craigslist.$35 Heywood Wakefield M304G Side Table (Mint) from an antique mall. $20 for four Paul McCobb Perimeter dining chairs that need new caning and some cleanup from the Goodwill. - Mr. Modtomic

Found a Jonathan Adler bamboo Chippendale chair for $4 at a Good Will in Denton, Texas! - Lindsay@indigomeetsviolet

Louis Ghost chair by Kartell for $5 at St. Vincent's. Makes me happy EVERY time I see it!!! - kissmyblog

I have so many great finds it's hard to narrow it down. Let's see.....vintage Saarinen-Knoll swivel executive chair for $20? Pair of Heywood-Wakefield tambour front cabinets for $150? How about a set of three Yoichi Ohira glass decanters for $90? Laurel mushroom lamp for $10? Knoll marble-top coffee table for $19? These are part of my "retirement collection." Who needs a 401K when you can invest in MCM????? - pyrexmaniac